Novak to lead pesticide industry group CropLife America

CropLife America has tapped National Corn Growers Association CEO Chris Novak as its next top executive following the departure of Jay Vroom later this year.

Novak will join CLA Aug. 20. He will be the first new head of the $17 million-revenue pesticide industry group in nearly three decades, replacing a CEO who has led the group since 1989. Vroom announced last year he planned to retire from CLA in 2018.

Novak spent the last four years as chief of the $21 million-revenue NCGA, which has offices in the St. Louis area and Washington, D.C. During his tenure, the group has been locked in policy battles concerning federal requirements for blending corn-based ethanol with motor fuels and, more recently, President Donald Trump’s decision to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement and impose tariffs on goods from China and U.S. allies.